Residential Archives

Top 10 Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Posted by richardcartright

· April 3, 2014

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Renovating your home is almost always a good idea. As we go through life and our families grow and change and as that happens, you can find that your home needs to change with you. That leaves you with a couple choices; renovating, or selling and moving. Renovating is a better choice, because it’s less expensive and causes less disruption…

Spring Cleaning Means Spring Repairs Too

Posted by richardcartright

· March 15, 2014

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Winter has thrown its last temper tantrum at us and now it looks like we can finally settle into spring. People are starting to think about spring cleaning; opening their windows to get some fresh air into their homes. Mops and feather dusters have come out as people try to clean off the dreariness of winter and enter the joy of spring….

How much contingency should you budget for your project?

Posted by richardcartright

· November 26, 2013

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Contingency is a part of the budget set aside to cover possible project problems. Generally, contingency is there to cover ‘unknown conditions’ or conditions that could not have reasonably been known. Unknown conditions are a fact of construction and there is really now way to completely avoid them, contingency prepares you for them. How much contingency you put in the…

Making FF&E, Material and Finish Selections

Posted by richardcartright

· October 9, 2013

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The term FF&E is an acronym for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment. Furniture is movable items such as tables and chairs. Fixtures are the immovable items such as cabinets. Equipment is a machine such as a water-heater or air conditioner. All are used to make a house or other space suitable for living and/or working. Materials and Finishes, are generally talked…

Dear Construction Conductor

Posted by richardcartright

· July 12, 2013

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Dear Construction Conductor: What is the cheapest and best way to get several design ideas for my full kitchen remodel? I know I want to remove a wall, so I will have to use an architect. Sincerely, On a Budget, Austin, TX Dear On a Budget, Thank you for your question. The cheapest and best way to get several design…

Can You Afford a Project Manager?

Posted by richardcartright

· March 16, 2012

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An independent project manager can save you money on your construction project from the very beginning. How much depends on you. Read this article to find out how you can save money well before you start your construction project.